Video still from FOX 25 in Boston shows the cross that the Freedom From Religion Foundation asked Woonsocket, R.I., Mayor Leo Fontaine to remove from a local fire department.A Wisconsin-based atheist organization that focuses on separating church and state has made a Rhode Island city's war memorial its most recent target, FOX 25 in Boston reports.
As part of a nationwide effort against "state/church entanglement," The Freedom From Religion Foundation issued a letter to Woonsocket, R.I., Mayor Leo Fontaine asking for the immediate removal of a 91-year-old memorial's cross from the parking lot of the Woonsocket Fire Department. The letter also asked that the fire department remove "The Firefighter's Prayer" and an image of an angel from its website."It is unlawful for a city government and its agency to display patently religious symbols and messages on city property," FFRF staff attorney Rebecca S. Markert wrote to Fontaine. "The website impermissibly demonstrates a preference for religion over nonreligion. The Latin cross at the fire station demonstrates Woonsocket's preference for Christianity over other religions and nonreligion. Such government endorsements of religion runs afoul of the Establishment Clause of the United States Constitution."
According to FOX 25, the monument was built to honor the city's war veterans, including three brothers who were killed in World War II. The prayer is a creed used by firefighters across the country.
The FFRF asked for a prompt written response from Fontaine, but the Mayor told The Woonsocket Call he is still exploring the city's options and seeking the advice of a city solicitor and attorney."I have no intention of removing the cross under any circumstances," Fontaine said.
Roger Jalette Sr., a Woonsocket City Councilor, told FOX 25 that fighting the FFRF in court would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, and the city is currently close to bankrupt.
The 18,000-member FFRF has spent over 30 years targeting similar displays of religion in public areas. According to The Huntsville Times, Sylvania (Ala.) town officials decided on Tuesday to remove roadside welcome signs that referenced Ephesians 4:5 -- "One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism" -- followed by the mayor's name after the FFRF complained. The organization, which is the biggest atheist group in the country, filed four other complaints in nearby Alabama counties this year.
On Easter weekend, the FFRF displayed a banner that read, "Nobody died for our 'sins.' Jesus Christ is a myth" in an Illinois park to offset a display of crosses. According to the Chicago Tribune, the banner was stolen and the group offered a $1,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
What do you think? Should Woonsocket officials remove the cross from the war memorial? Leave your comments below.